Hemorrhoids or piles can be a troublesome ailment for many people. Here are some Ayurvedic home remedies that may offer some relief.

The most important food remedy for hemorrhoids is known as buttermilk or takram. This is not the same as the cultured buttermilk sold in the supermarket. To make takram or Indian buttermilk, take half a cup of organic whole milk yoghurt and add half a cup of pure water. Put this mixture in the blender and thoroughly blend. Ideally, if the yoghurt is not homogenized, you will see some yellow butter droplets rising to the top.

Some of the items suggested in these remedies are best purchased from your local Indian grocery store. This includes ajwain, a spice, and black salt.

Home remedies for hemorrhoids that are not bleeding but are painful or itch

Home remedies for bleeding hemorrhoids

Haritaki - ¼ to ¾ tsp., to be taken with ¼ cup warm water, twice a day.

3 tsp. pomegranate rind to be taken with equal part of raw sugar twice a day: or another version of this remedy is--Take one cup pomegranate rind powder. Add 4 cups water to it and boil the mixture. Allow it to cool. Take one glass of this mixture each morning and evening.

Take 2 tsp. mustard seeds and grind to powder. Add ten tablespoons of goat's milk and drink before breakfast.

Grind a few mustard seeds and add to fresh yoghurt. Stir well and eat before breakfast. Follow with a glass of yoghurt blended with an equal amount of water.

Remedies to apply externally

Take one tablespoon of honey and mix it with radish juice. Apply it on the area of the piles

Make a paste of turmeric mixed in mustard oil and apply to the area. Wear a pad to prevent staining of underwear.

Take a sitz bath with barberry tea.

If your hemorrhoid is persistent, please consult a doctor. You may need treatment such as cauterization, or your hemorrhoid symptoms might relate to a more serious condtion within your anus, rectum or colon.

Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.

Ayurveda, literally translated as the “science of life,” is the ancient Indian art of physical, mental, and emotional healing. Based on harmonizing the natural elements within and around us, Ayurvedic medicine is a time-tested system of holistic health that is highly specific to each unique individual. Ayurvedic treatments include delicious foods, medicinal herbs, massage, yoga, meditation, and other simple lifestyle changes that work to restore your body to its innate, healthy balance. LEARN MORE